Big thanks to PROBOB for reserving a classroom in Schoolcraft College's Health Science Center (HS965). The room has capacity of 40 people.
Park in the North Parking Lot, use the entrance to the building closest to the posted coords, then it'll be the first room on your left.
Please, log your Will Attend to receive up to date information.
Welcome to Wherigo Workshop - Maker Magic Edition!
Please, read the whole page carefully.
Please, note that in order to fully participate in the workshop, a laptop computer with wherigo software is needed. However, if you choose to use paper and pencil, scribble notes and participate in the workshop that way, you are more than welcome to. We'll be happy to have you at the event!
After my previous Wherigo Workshop, I have been asked to host another one - therefore - your (i.e. geocachers') wish is my command and - you get a Maker Magic souvenir for attending it once I submit the event to HQ after publication.
Update: The event has been approved and been placed on official Maker Magic bookmark list!!!
Based on this host's previous wherigo workshop Lessons Learned, this time the format will be slightly different. The pace is going to be slower, more interactive and you will have to do some preparation and homework beforehand.
Homework (before the event):
You will be creating a wherigo cartridge with one zone, then final. It is up to you, if you choose the zone:
1. requiring no interaction, i.e. a pass-through zone, or
2. requiring an answer in the form of a multiple choice, or
3. requiring an answer in the form of typed text.
To do that:
- In the area chosen by you (yes, you'll be hiding your own cache), create your wherigo cache page with final coordinates hidden, and additional waypoint - parking coordinates - visible.
- Think about the area close to both parking and final coordinates - this is where you will place your zone. If you choose the zone that requires an answer (2 or 3 above), you can utilize for example a utility pole, a hydrant, a plaque inside the zone, or any other object with unique information.
- Take that information and write it down. You will need it during the workshop.
Preparation (before the event):
Windows-based laptop computer with the following software:
Alert: You are about to download files from my Google drive. As the geocache owner, I ensure that these files are safe to download. They have not been checked by Geocaching HQ or by the reviewer. Download these files at your own risk.
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 - Urwigo needs it to work. Download and install it first.
- Urwigo - download, unzip and install. This is the programming software that will be used during this workshop.
- For your reference only (strongly recommended): Wherigo Workshop presentation – A guide from my Wherigo Workshop GCAYQ6X Community Celebration Event.
If you’d like to familiarize yourself more – here are the “source code” files of 5 of my wherigos:
HNY26 TeamGMMP’s Wherigos – download the zip file, then unzip to one folder, as is. The graphics are shared between 5 wherigos and this is why all files need to be in a single folder.
If any of the above links don't work, please, let me know.
Bring your own to the event:
- Windows-based laptop computer with aforementioned software installed.
- An extension cord / power strip.
The hosts will provide:
- The room.
- WiFi connection.
Workshop Agenda:
- Create new cartridge. Add basics - the name, the author, the coordinates of the starting point (for example - parking coordinates).
- Create your zone.
- Add programming of events for your zone as mentioned in Homework paragraph above.
- Add "items" to the "inventory" - the final coordinates, completion code, hint.
- Generate .gwz file of the cartridge and upload it to wherigo.com.
- Add cartridge link to your wherigo cache page.
- Test and validate.
- Submit your cache for publication (assuming that you have already hidden your cache container).
Looking forward to meeting you all!
Some Q&A:
What exactly IS Wherigo?
Wherigo is a platform that allows you to build location based GPS experiences on your computer and play them in the real world; you actually walk from one location to the next to advance the story.
What is a Wherigo cartridge?
A Wherigo cartridge is a file that contains all the information and media necessary to play a Wherigo experience. We call them cartridges as an homage to the original console-based games.
What is a Wherigo cache?
A Wherigo cache uses the Wherigo cartridge format (i.e. use of zones, characters and/or items) to lead the player to a physical geocache. If a Wherigo cartridge is used as a requirement to find a geocache, it is considered a Wherigo cache regardless of whether it has a puzzle or multi-cache component.
What is the difference between a Wherigo cartridge and a Wherigo cache?
A Wherigo cache includes a physical geocache component and is cross listed on both Wherigo.com and Geocaching.com. A regular Wherigo cartridge contains no physical cache and is only listed on Wherigo.com.
The Wherigo Player
Don't have a wherigo player? All you need to play the cartridge is a smart phone or a wherigo compatible GPSr. The Garmin Colorado and Oregon series up through the 550 are compatible. For the smart phones you can download one of the players here:
For the iPhone - click here for the Wherigo player.
For the Android Smartphone - click here for the WhereYouGo app.
If you have issues with Samsung Galaxy S2x phone, downloading and playing the cartridge, look up GC forum thread here.
Additionally, Geooh GO and GCDroid/WheriDroid Android apps have also integrated wherigo players.
